Sunday, March 1, 2009

Jet lag

These photos are from Abu Dhabi and a visit to the Emirates Palace, an astonishing place. Abu Dhabi is the capitol of the UAE and hopes to soon become an international cultural center. The palace is quite posh-

Since arriving back home, I've been spending more time sleeping than writing. I did want to post another collaborative 'found' poem written by one of the classes I was working with. We read the poem 'Famous' by Naomi Shihab Nye and talked about what we would like to be known for. In her poem, Nye talks about how a buttonhole is famous only to the button, the river is famous to the fish, the loud voice is famous to silence.

I would like to famouslike the smile of white jasmineis to the garden.

Like the first drop of rainis to the ground to which it returns life.

To be famouslike a piece of ice on a hot dayin the middle of the desert.

Like the ball when it enters the goal,along with all the strong cheering.

I would like to be famouslike the long suffering shorewhen it is hugged by the waves.

Famous as the happy henwhen she lays her first egg,but all her happinessgoes awaywhen the farmer takes it.

I would like to be famousto the old man,as the years he spentand can't get back.

I would like to be famouslike Dr. Mirrione (he was my host).

Famous like a school uniformis to the child who puts it onfor the first time.

I would like to be famousas the spreading horizonis to the sky.

I would like to be famousas the naughty daughterwho always makes her parents laughand whose smile they misswhen she is sleeping.

Famous as the sun after a long darkness.

Collaborative poemUAEU 2-09

Writing this poem with them, reinforced what an honor it was to be there helping them discover their voices.

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About Me

Elizabeth Thomas is a widely published poet, performer, advocate of the arts and teacher. The author of three books of poetry, she has read her work throughout the United States. Much of her energy and time is devoted to designing and teaching writing programs for schools and organizations in many parts of the country. These programs promote literacy and the power of written and spoken word. As an outstanding advocate of youth in the arts, Elizabeth Thomas is a coach and organizer with Brave New Voices: International Youth Poetry Slam and Festival. She is also the founder of UpWords Poetry, a company dedicated to promoting programs for young writers and educators, based on the belief that poetry is meant to be heard out loud and in person. She hosts a website at www.upwordspoetry.com.